SSI SCHAEFER Geared For Growth

Resilient and innovative SSI SCHAEFER grows aggressively in the region

Come what may, SSI SCHAEFER is one supplier that has braved adverse conditions to emerge stronger than ever in meeting clients’ and industry needs in the industrial and automated storage systems space.

“Since SARS in 2003, we have seen SSI SCHAEFER’s consolidated sales in Asia grow by 300%, with 2007 hitting a record high of over €100 million” reports SSI SCHAEFER’s Regional Director, Brian Miles. 

It was fitting that SSI SCHAEFER Group were officially recognised by MMH magazine USA as the World’s No. 1 supplier of Industrial and Automated Storage Systems in 2006.

“The investment the company has made over the past 10 to 15 years in establishing its own staff and offices throughout the region, supported by factories in Malaysia and China, has finally paid off.”

One of the ‘star’ performers is Malaysia, which is supported by a 20,000m² factory in Johor. “The company’s comprehensive range of products, the majority of which are made in Malaysia have meant that we can offer our customers cost-effective solutions for their storage needs” comments its General Manager, Xavier Pairada. 

“Whilst Malaysia has a number of manufacturers, none can compete with SSI SCHAEFER when it comes to such a comprehensive range of storage system solutions.”

Looking Back

Reviewing some of SSI SCHAEFER’s projects completed within Malaysia in recent years, one can appreciate this fact. 

From the supply of tool drawer units and cupboards to the oil and gas industry in Terengganu, library shelving in Kedah, a massive 80,000 pallet location clad-rack fully automated facility for a furniture retailer in Shah Alam, an impressive 28m high documentation storage system in Bukit Jelutong, an automotive spare parts distribution centre in PTP, a number of pallet racking systems for major 3PL operators, a high density satellite system in the Klang Valley and a mobile pallet racking for a cold store operator in Penang - one can understand why SSI SCHAEFER have become such a powerful force in Malaysia.

“We opened our Malaysia factory in 1998, at the height of the Asian Crisis, which on reflection was not such a bad timing, it enabled us to recruit and train staff without the pressure of high order intake” relates Miles.

“We needed to train staff, implement manufacturing systems, develop IT, we were awarded ISO9001 in 2001.  Dealing with SARS was a challenge, no one in Europe really understood the effect it had on the region.  But by July 2003, when most countries were declared SARS free, we saw enquiries and business pick up with factory output growing annually.”

SSI SCHAEFER’s two factories will produce around 33,000MT of finished products in 2007, with 2008 forecasts 37,000MT.  In Malaysia, the company ships around 2,000TEUs per annum throughout the region, including Australia and the Middle East, two high growth sectors.

“We were close to optimum capacity in Malaysia” Miles adds, “but with the expansion of the production area by 3,500m², plus new loading docks, we have some 30% additional capacity at minimal additional cost.  This will ensure the company’s products will remain very competitive, even against smaller competitors.”

Being the first and only pallet racking manufacturer in Asia to obtain FEM 10.2.02 compliance, the European Federation of Materials Handling and Storage Equipment, it now means SSI SCHAEFER’s customers can benefit from a product tested to European standards, at Malaysian prices.

For further information, please contact:

Schaefer Systems International Pte Ltd
Ann Ng
Tel:     +65/ 6863 0168
eMail:  ann.ng@ssi-schaefer.sg